FNP to Psych NP

[NYNPMAN]

I just graduated with my FNP and while in practice I noticed a lack of Psychiatrists and PNPs for mental health in my area of NY. Is there a way to become a Psychiatric NP without going to another 2 year school?

[AB1489]

Hi there! I am currently a FNP student at frontier and I know that they recently started a post masters psych np program. The program is pretty reasonably priced. I'm not sure how long it is bit o really don't think it's 2 years.

[NYNPMAN]

I think it is a benefit to the public. I never knew there was a lack mental health prescribers in my area until I had patients who needed a referral. We are overrun with MD and FNPs, everyone is employed but there is no shortage. I see an opportunity, but not if it requires going back to a 2 year school. Thanks for the info

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

I think it is a benefit to the public. I never knew there was a lack mental health prescribers in my area until I had patients who needed a referral. We are overrun with MD and FNPs, everyone is employed but there is no shortage. I see an opportunity, but not if it requires going back to a 2 year school. Thanks for the info

You are going to have to go back to school and do additional clinical hours in psych. Not sure how long it will take, but it will be additional time and another board exam.

[NYNPMAN]

Thanks, I was looking for a shortcut...lol

[Oldmahubbard]

School alone will not make you a competent Psych NP, my opinion, however there is quite an overlap of the course work with FNP.

[ToFNPandBeyond]

Post masters program

[bryanleo9]

I think it is a benefit to the public. I never knew there was a lack mental health prescribers in my area until I had patients who needed a referral. We are overrun with MD and FNPs, everyone is employed but there is no shortage. I see an opportunity, but not if it requires going back to a 2 year school. Thanks for the info

Volunteer in an acute psych unit for awhile and you will see why there is such a shortage. It is definitely not for everyone. The burn out and psych NP's leaving the field is a problem. I have worked in and outpatient psych for over 8 years.

[bryanleo9]

You are going to have to go back to school and do additional clinical hours in psych. Not sure how long it will take, but it will be additional time and another board exam.

Yes, expect 600 plus hours of psych clinic experience. Remember, with fewer psych NP'S finding preceptors can be a huge problem.

[Oldmahubbard]

Finding preceptors in psych is unbelievably hard, even if you work in the field, which honestly you should.

600 clinical hours is not anywhere near enough to manage psych pts.